Québec Solidaire is proposing a provincial plan to fight homophobia, a form of prejudice the party says should be a top priority for the next government.
Gays and lesbians can get married and have equal rights under Quebec laws, but homophobia is still rampant, said party spokeswoman Françoise David.
It became a campaign issue last week after Saguenay radio host Louis Champagne told his listeners that no factory worker would vote for a fag — making reference to Parti Québécois Leader André Boisclair's open homosexuality.
"If we needed any other proof that homophobia exists, it seems that we got it," David told CBC.
Québec Solidaire members voted unanimously over the weekend on a $10-million policy proposal that would invest annually in programs to counter homophobia, especially in regions outside Quebec's main cities.
Homophobia remains a problem in big urban centres too, said Québec Solidaire candidate Manon Massé, who is running in the Montreal riding of Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques.
"I'm a lesbian and I have kids. When my kids go to school, they don't want to say that their mother is gay. That's a problem," she told CBC.
The party would foster programs that encourage children and teens to be more tolerant and accepting of homosexuality.
With files from the Canadian PressRelated
| Party | Elected | Leading | Total | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIB | 48 | 0 | 48 | 33.08% |
| ADQ | 41 | 0 | 41 | 30.80% |
| PQ | 36 | 0 | 36 | 28.32% |
| QS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.65% |
| GRN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.89% |
| OTH | 0 | 0 | 0 | .26% |
| Last Update:March 27, 12:52:21 AM EDT | ||||
Quebec Votes 2007 Headlines »
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